Creative Juices

"Cooper and the Attack of the Bed Bath & Beyond Bag"

So, I got a new bathmat. Yay me.
This morning, I put the old bathmat in the Bed Bath & Beyond bag, to take it out to the trash. I put it by the door, so Steve would take it out on his way (but he didnt).
I'm upstairs, putting on my make-up and I hear this very loud rustling sound. I step into the hallway to investigate and find Cooper running up the stairs, with the Bed Bath & Beyond bag trailing behind him. He must have been exploring the bag, and got the handle stuck around his waist. But he keeps running around, through small spaces, knocking things over, trying to out run the bag that is attached to him. Finally, he stops behind the desk in the office and I manage to free him.
The best part is after... he sneaks out from the desk and starts looking for whatever attacked him. I know it was the bag, you know it was the bag, but I'm pretty sure he's convinced it was a big loud mean monster that was chasing him around the house. He stays close to the ground, as close as you could while still walking, his fur up and his tail down.
Belle's looking at him like he's mental, and he growls at her as he slithers by and down the stairs.
And this is why I have cats, because of their entertainment factor.

Chin Up!

I think Petie's seeing someone. He did return Thursday and Friday night but hasn't been around Saturday and Sunday. I dunno what the deal is with him.
Nothing entertaining has been happening lately. Thats why I havent been writing.

Down Came The Rain

Petie didnt come home last night.

Meet Petie

I have a new pet. His name is Petie and he is a spider.
Now, under normal circumstances, I would not go near an insect. If fact, I would most likely go screaming in the other direction. But Petie is conviently located on the other side of my bedroom window. He lives on the outside, right where he should, and I respect him for that. Petie's smart, he knows his place... he's seen the bottle of Raid and the cats licking their lips. Petie wants a long and happy life for him, and potentially his offspring.
The cool thing about Petie is that he leaves my window everyday, to do whatever it is spiders do during the daytime.. errands, socializing at the local ant pile, whatever. But, Petie returns every night. For a week now, Petie has come back to my window and made a new web for me everynight. And it's so neat to watch. As long as he stays on the other side of the window. Right where he knows he belongs.

The Insulting Men From Brooklyn

So, I sit down to lunch with my dad on Thursday. He looks at me from across the table and says, with a smile "Thats the heaviest I've ever seen you!" All the women in the room look shocked. His wife, Rose, giggles and politely tries to correct him "Honey, I'm sure that's not what you meant...." I dont know what kind of look I had on my face... I wasnt too surprised at his statement, nor would I expect anything more tactful from my father... but he just laughed, "The healthiest.. I meant the healthiest." While my Aunt's argue with him "She's beautiful, what are you talking about?" "She looks great, a real woman."
You'd think that would be enough to keep me from eating all weekend.
But no.
There are more men in Brooklyn.
After changing into my gown in the dressing room at the hall, I come out, feeling pretty good about myself. The good husband smiles brightly. He's been trained.
Uncle George, however... "You got fat!" The thing is, he said it so sweetly, it was as if he was saying "You're stunning!" But the words, 'got fat' no matter how nicely said only hit you one way. And this time, there were no women around to correct him and try to put better words in his mouth...
Yes, I dont see these family members often. I probably havent seen Uncle George in two years. And I have gained 25 pounds in two years. But they say I hide it well, and my body is just getting ready for childbirth (*rolls eyes*).
I know I'm beautiful, duh, cause luckily more than just the well trained husband tells me. And I surely need to hear it these days...
But just so you are aware... those men, from Brooklyn... they need a lesson or two. Before I'm forced to do something drastic, like exercise or eat healthy.

And Then!

The reception took place at Floral Terrace, a beautiful hall on Long Island. Steve and I arrived early with Aunt Debbie. She wanted to make sure everything was set up properly.
Let me give you an idea of this "hall"
It was four floors... the first was your basic waiting area kinda of stuff... pretty flowers, a piano, chairs, couches and coffee tables. The second floor was for cocktail hour, the third was the actual reception room and the fourth was the Bridal Suite. It included a dressing room, a living room, a dining room and the teeniest bathroom. After we made sure the reception area was all set up, Aunt Debbie and I changed into our gowns. Yes yes, this wedding required a change of clothing.
We met the arriving guest downstairs, where I got lots of "you've grown up so much," and "I rememba when you were this big"
Then, since we were following Aunt Debbie around, we got to follow behind her while George, the head honcho hall guy, showed Aunt Debbie the cocktail hour line for her approval. Steve and I were amazed at all this food. Not just your basic dips and veggies and cheese and crackers, there were salads, and a pasta bar, and burritos, and kebobs, and three carving stations (chicken, roast and pork), stir fry, some other Italian dishes, shrimp and crab legs and calamari... with little guys behind each area, serving you. "Is this dinner?" Steve whispers. "No, this is hors d'oeuvres."
While the guests were enjoying their hour of cocktails, the bridal party were up on the fourth floor eating. This was to ensure that they all got something to eat, and could spend the rest of the evening socializing.
The lights got brighter, and that was the sign to move on up. Steve and I grabbed the elevator, and got in with George and Uncle George (father of the bride). Uncle George was upset because he had split a cocktail on his tie. Bummer. George, with his little headset and Spanish accent said "I promise you, we will have a new tie for you before you are announced." And that was the case, we got off the elevator and someone was waiting for Uncle George with a bow tie in hand. Impressive.
The reception room had a large elevated dance floor in the center with tables surrounding it. The DJ and Emcee were set up, with real bongos and those other little drums. The rig also had two plasma screens that were playing a slideshow of Allison&Marc pictures.
We sat down for appetizers. Then the bridal party was announced, followed by Allison and Marc's first dance. Midway through, the mc invited everyone else to join. At that point (this is cool) the plasma screens start to display a video. The video is some clips from the day, Allison getting ready, posing for pictures and then the ceremony. I was very impressed that the videographer had spent the time in between the ceremony and reception editing a movie. It was also nice for the 300 guests, half of whom werent at the wedding itself.
We sat down for Caesar salad and placed our order for the entree. There were five things to choose from, Rack of Lamb, Grilled Filet Mignon, Stuffed Filet of Sole, French Breast of Chicken and Roasted Chilean Sea Bass (yes I took a menu home so I could get it all right).
Ate. Danced. Sat again for Lemon Sorbet. Danced. Sat again for the entrees (by now, it was about 10:30pm). Sat a little longer cause I was so damn full.
Uncle George got up and sang a song he had written for Allison. Uncle George attempts to be a song writer. For Allison's Sweet Sixteen, he wrote and sang "All Is On" For this, he rewrote the words from "Color My World" During the instrumental, he pulled out his kazoo, as did all the waiters around the hall. It was pretty funny.
Then they did the normal cake cutting. Served that. Danced some more.
AND THEN!
The lights go out, the mc announces "Vienesse Hour!!!!!!!" The french doors open and you see a line of carts, bursting with fire. The karts are filled with every dessert you could possibly think of, and even some you wouldnt. Candied apples, cotton candy, chocolate dipped fruit, cookies, pastries, cheesecakes, mooses, flan, tiramisu, french toast, zepplies, funnel cake, ice cream and a coffee bar. It was SOO cool.
The dancing continued till 2am, though I didnt party that long. I was tyerd and my feet were hurting.
But, it was an amazing night.

It's Allison and Marc's Wedding Da aaa aaay!

Friday began with Aunt Debbie running off to Staten Island to help the bride get dressed and all that good stuff. I was sent off to get my hair done by Erma. Aunt Deb seems to swear by Erma. Erma was nice... but when she said "What did you want done?" and I said "An updo" and she frowned and said "Ohhh, I'm not very good at updo's." NOT what you want to hear from the woman with your hair in her hands. But she did a simple french twist (and complimented my highlights twenty times) and then curled the left over hair at the top. I was very please, even with the three gallons of hair spray.
Steve and I walked (hold on lemme count) 21 blocks to the hotel to meet my dad and Rose. I was surprised that my dad was wearing white pants and a black button down shirt with black All Stars. Then Rose came out of the bathroom and she was wearing a black and white top with white pants. "ohmygod," I thought. "My 50something year old dad is being dressed by his wife..." Dressed alike, nonetheless.
We went downstairs to catch our ride to Brooklyn. Now, up until this point, Aunt Debbie had referred to the vehicle picking us up as a car. "The car will be there at 1:45" You never do know with Aunt Deb, but I wasnt too surprised to see a beautiful limo waiting. Steve got a kick out of "A car for the Carr Family"
My dad has some great limo stories of me. When we lived in NY, he owned a business, Dr. Carr's Auto and Electric. So, he fixed electrical problems in cars, installed stereos and alarms, stuff like that. One time, he had Rodney Dangerfield's limo. In order to make sure he had fixed whatever the problem was, he had to drive the car around a bit. So, he drove me to kindergarten one morning. We arrive at the front my school and I ask him if he can drive around the block one more time because my cartoons weren't over yet. He does so, and then I wait, like a good little princess, for him to get out of the car and come around to open my door for me. What can I say?
We arrived at the church fifteen minutes before the ceremony was to start. The 9 bride's maids were outside, most of them smoking their last cigarette before going inside. Aunt Debbie was running around, pinning boutonnieres on groomsmen. I asked Aunt Deb if she needed help, she didnt, so we went and sat down.
The ceremony began with Jason, Allison's one and a half year old nephew making his way down the three mile aisle. He was in the cutest little tux ever. He got almost all the way to the front, before spotting his grandmother and screaming for her. End of that spot stealing.
Twenty bridesmaids and groomsmen later... here comes the bride. She really was beautiful. A big poofy dress that I could never pull off.
The priest HAD to have been 200 years old. The fact that he made it through the ceremony without dieing was a blessing. He did, however, read the same verses twice and have a coughing spell that required the assistant priest to get him a glass of water during their vows. He also forgot the whole part of Allison dedicating flowers to her mother... all that running around Thursday morning for nothing! But it was great and beautiful and they kissed and yay!
A white stretch Hummer was waiting outside for the bridal party. It had two tropical fish tanks inside and satellite tv, but no air conditioning.

Let's start at the very beginning...

I think I'll tell most of my stories in chronological order... with the acception of a few random stories.
So, we flew in Wednesday night. Our flight was delayed by two hours, which was sucky in the boring airport. When we finally landed, we had to get a cab (at a good price) and be driven into the city. Like I said, we were lucky to be staying with my Aunt Debbie in her teenie tiny apartment. She greeted us happily and then took us to a diner for yummy food. And so the NYC feasting begins...
I wake up too early to be on vacation Thursday. But it's a good thing, because Aunt Debbie had just gotten a call from the florist. He said he couldnt find white tulips. "Well duh" I say. "They're out of season." Out of Season isnt a good enough reason for Aunt Debbie, who decides... since Allison (the bride) wants white tulips... we will find white tulips. She calls around to several florists... all agree, no tulips. You'd think we'd have to settle without them... but their importance was, well, important. Allison's mom died 4 years ago from cancer... Allison planned to place Aunt Alice's favorite flowers (enter white tulips) at the alter and light a candle for her. So, we searched. Even for silks. The only silks we could find were $15 a piece and well, "I'm not insane yet" said Aunt Debbie. Three hours later... no tulips. Aunt Debbie had to pick up the rental car... so she left me and Steve to continue searching. On her way to the rental place.. she found orchid tulips... or so she called them. They were beautiful.
Aunt Debbie went from the rental car place and airport while Steve and I rode the train into Brooklyn. My Aunt Pattie lives in Brooklyn, and there we would be meeting the rest of the family and the crew from the airport for lunch. Mmmm Boars Head balogna and cheese and real Italian bread.
My dad and Rose (his wifey) were staying at my Aunt's hotel (she manages it), Le Parker Meridien. So, after lunch we dropped them off to get settled and hung out for a bit till it was time to eat dinner. I got to pick the dinner location... so I went for my Angelo's.. and Italian restuarant that has the most to-die-for Fettuccini Alfredo. This alfredo sauce has spoiled me for life and puts all others to shame. It must be at least 4000 calories. Sooo good. So good we had to take a cab home.
Well, that's all you're getting for today. Not too interesting... but I promise, tomorrow will be the good stuff.

Testing an Image

Though I have many advanced computer skills... I've never had the opportunity to ftp something, so I wasnt sure how to. Now I know... (and knowing is half the battle). So, I shall try to post a picture.
All I have handy are cat pictures... so here is my beautiful baby belle, when we first got her. Yes, thats a UPS.

Have I Got A Show For You!

Give me the day.... after 4 days in New York City, including the biggest event I've ever experienced... I've got plenty of stories to tell. I would just like to get them in order, so that they arent so random.
So you'll just have to wait.

Here we are now, entertain us...

Since Nick mentioned that random people were reading my site... I've felt the need to be entertaining. I feel it's not worth posting about my insignificant life unless I can make it humerous. And I guess I'm one of those people.. the kind that when they try to be funny... they arent.
But I owe you a post... especially since I'm leaving for NY tomorrow.

So whats been up with me lately... well, I survived the death and ressurection of Baxter, my beloved computer. His hard drive crashed, after four years of perfect performance. Luckily, Nick came to the rescue and provided me with everything I needed to know about replacing a hard drive in an iMac. I ordered a 40gig, as opposed to the traditional 10 inside. It arrived yesterday. Steve performed the operation... I was too nervous and would rather him be responsible for breaking something than me. But it was a simple procedure and he was in and out in twenty minutes (with only a few "oops" when he dropped a screw inside and we had to tip him over to get it out). Then I spent the majority of the evening installing the OS(s).

Today, when I get home from work, I must pack for our trip.
See, I also have this thing... I clean before I leave for a trip. I dont know who else does that... but I can not leave my house a mess. Steve thinks it's kinda crazy. It might be because I know Mike comes over to watch the cats and play his xbox.. it might be because I'm crazy. Who knows.

So, we fly to NY Wednesday night and return on Sunday. During the time, I will spend more than enough time with my family. I'm very excited to see my Aunt Debbie, she's my favorite. We are honored enough to be staying at her apartment in the city with her. You know you're the favorite when she chooses for you to stay at her place. Although I wouldnt mind a room in her hotel... I feel much more loved staying at the apartment. The wedding should be exciting. I'll give you the full recap when I return. Expect lots of drinking, eating and Mac the Knife.

Till then...

The Reds, Whites, and Blues

Today is my dad's birthday. I think he's 52...
So, I got into work around 9... and gave him a call. And WOKE HIM UP! Can you believe it?!?! It's not like my dad is a big sleeping in kinda guy or something... I cant even count how many birthdays he's called me way to early and woken me up. Pay back time. I believe we've started the process where you're parents start regressing and you feel like you're taking care of them. And it begins when you wake up, willingly, before your parents.

Survey Says

You know how people always send you those forwards and its a survey about yourself? Well, I usually only answer them on my bored days... which hasnt been lately. So, I figured I'd bypass the next rush and answer the common questions right here, right now.

My name is: Sabrina (duh)

My nicknames: Bri, Sabby

My birthday is: February 22, 1979

My age is: 24 (in case subtraction isnt your strong point)

I have this many siblings: 1 brother

My best friend is: no best friend... just a few close friends

Marital Status: Married (almost 3 years)

Kind of car I drive: His name is Miles, he's a black 92 Acura Integra. Way past his prime

Favorite kind of ice cream: Winter White Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: um, the Mall? And Target

The one thing I've always wanted to do: Write a novel

Favorite thing to do when you are upset: Watch Dawson's Creek... well, that's my favorite thing to do, period...

Favorite Sport: hahahaha

How many people I have kissed: 3

What I would do with a million dollars: hmm... pay off my debt, buy a car, buy a new computer, a house and give the rest to my mom

Dream Vacation: Cruise the Greek Isles

Turn Ons: 66 Mustang Convertables, Big receivers with lots of inputs and outputs

Turn Offs: Bad breath, smoking, southern accents (no offense)

Pets: Two cats, Belle (the princess) and Cooper (the court jester) and Pacey the Fishie

Past Pets: Dawson and Joey the Fishies, Keeley (our first cat, died in January), 27 gerbils (A.J. - Z.J. and Blackie), several turtles, Brandy (Lasa Aphso I grew up with, died when I was 8)

Croutons or Bacon Bits: Is that really a choice to be made? Both! With a little lettuce on the side

Favorite Salad Dressing: Kraft Ceasar Bacon

Shampoo or Conditioner: What are we, rationing? Both!

Roses or Carnations: Pansies or Tulips :P

Favorite Color of Flowers: Purple

Have You Ever Gone Skinny Dipping: No sir

Favorite Clothes to Wear: Comfortable ones

Favorite Shoes to Wear: Unlisted (it's a brand)

Do You Make Fun of People: Um, yes

Best On-line Friend: Patrick

One Pillow or Two: Two... but the second one has no purpose.. it just needs to be there... to support the first pillow and let it know it's doing a good job of... pillowing. Cause that's what pillows do

Favorite Types of Music: Anything but country

Last Concert Seen: Erm... the last concert I remember seeing was dcTalk one night and Newsboys the next at Kings Dominion

Very First Concert Seen: Sha na na

Toothpaste: my dentist told me to start using a sensitive toothpaste.. so I did... I think it's Colgate.. though previous to that, I was a Crest girl

Favorite City You've Lived In: Brooklyn

Favorite Place You've Visited: New York City...

Favorite Food: Um... I dont think I have one... food is so wonderful...

Do You Get Along with Your Parents: Locked in a small room with both of them and spoon, no

Favorite Drink: Cheerwine or water

Favorite Type of Family Game: Catch Phrase or Pit

Silk or Satin: Sheets or Underwear?

Favorite Time of the Year: Christmas time

Adidas, Nike or Reebok: whatevers cuter

Favorite Perfume: Romance or Pink

Favorite Cologne: Drakkar or Very Sexy

Rainy of Sunny: Sunny

Ocean or Mountains: Inside

Sweet or Sour: Sweet

MTV or VH1: MTV, though arent they the same thing these days?

Winter or Summer: Winter, no bees

NY or Paris: I've never been to Paris.. and the Real Worlders dont seem to like it too much.. so we'll go with NY

Favorite Website: www.dawsonscreek.com

Favorite Subject in School: Yearbook and Newspaper class

Least Favorite Subject: Math, Science, History, Economics... the list goes on and on....

Favorite Movie You Have Seen Recently: Matrix: Reloaded or Finding Nemo... tough one

Favorite Movie of All Time: I've narrowed it down to four.... Matrix, The American President, Moulin Rouge, and Romeo and Juliet

Favorite Alcoholic Drink: I think I established that last post... vodka... with a little splash of juice... dont want people thinking I'm a lush

Righty or Lefty: Righty

Consider yourself a good listener: Yes, right?

Sing in the shower: only with music playing and no one else home

Think Cheerleading is a Sport: Yes

Fruit: um.. starbursts?

Coke or Pespi: Coke

Backstreet Boys or 'N Sync: NSync!

Phone or Email: Email

Tea or Coffee: Tea

Gum or Mint: Mint

Ocean or Pool: Again... already established... pool

Shaken or Stirred: shake it baby

Taco or Burrito: yuck

Cursed in front of a teacher: um... I once sang "Love me Love me Sex Machine" while passing Dwayne Carson... that's as close as I've gotten

Been in Love: Hope so, or the husband's screwed

Had Feelings for Someone Who Was Just a "friend": Can someone say "high school?"

Last Time You Cried: Cant remember... oh wait... two weeks ago

Whats on your wall: at work? Pictures of my cats and pretty flowers and friends and my brother and phone numbers and kitties and veggietales toys and pictures that Sophie drew for me yesterday and a Chick-fil-a calendar

The End.